Tips and Resources

Carolyn was a life-saver working tirelessly with us in a very compressed time frame. She was a great communicator with my son at a very stressful time for him. She was professional, insightful and extremely organized during a very chaotic process for parents who were first-timers because this was our oldest child.

~Dave Gardi

Carolyn deftly guided my two daughters through the process of college entrance exam prep, college essay edits, college selection as well as at different points throughout their undergraduate years for a variety of challenges. My girls are very different in terms of learning styles and personality and Carolyn worked successfully with both. Her calm, unassuming nature was welcome and I appreciated how she never took over but led the girls in the right direction, challenging them while allowing them to find the solution and conquer the particular issue. Carolyn does her homework, stays abreast of the “market” and rapidly challenging environments while researching individual universities and their programs so that she can provide a comprehensive and accurate portrait for her clients. When my third daughter is ready for college, I’ll be calling Carolyn at Not So Common Application Services!

~Delia Serrano

Carolyn, I will NEVER be able to thank you enough for sharing your valuable expertise and time with Lauren. You have made my life IMMENSELY easier!!!! Pam C. Brielle, NJ

Thank you Carolyn Johnson for guiding my son thru the essay writing process. After months of procrastination, writing block, stress and nagging, he finally got it done. Keeping my fingers crossed for a good outcome!

~ Aparna Mulchandani

After one session with Carolyn at NotSoCommonApplication, my son brainstormed, completed and proofread his entire Common Application essay. It was painless and the essay was just perfect. Thank you!

~ Janet Freitag, Ramsey, NJ

Yes, Michael is doing great at Princeton. Thanks for helping to get him to realize his potential!

~ Didier

I got into Rice, William and Mary and Stony Brook. Going to Rice. Thank you so much and I am very grateful for all your help. You kept me organized and helped this chemistry student write superb essays.

~ Aaron C.

Just got into Cooper Union! I’m so happy with the way you helped me develop my essays and put the application together. This would not have been possible without your help.

~ E.M., NY

I know Evan has told you he was accepted to The Cooper Union (!). He is thrilled and excited for his future. As a parent it is a gift to know he is going forward in his studies to an institution that he has been striving to attend because it is where he feels he will flourish academically and socially. I want to thank you for your hard work and dedication. Your support meant a great deal to our family. Thank you so much.

~ Kathy

Thank you so much, Carolyn, for teaching Jose how to advocate for himself and for making BC truly accessible for him.

~ HS Guidance Counselor

My son just received admissions to two of his top college choices with generous scholarship offers thanks to your help with his essay.

~ Alice, Queens, NY

Thank you very much for your very helpful service at such a late notice. Having you check over and perfect my essay gave me the confidence I needed to finally submit my applications! I couldn’t have done it without you!

~ Grace Crockett, Queens, NY

Carolyn was a good match for my son – she helped him to improve both his SAT and ACT scores and was willing to work around a busy soccer schedule.

~ Rose, Suffern, NY

My son had Carolyn as a SAT tutor. She taught him the strategies needed to improve his score by over 200 points, ensuring his placement in his desired school, and earning him an academic scholarship of a third of the tuition! Highly recommend!

~ Colleen Stryker, NY

In a short amount of time, Carolyn helped me brainstorm really great ideas for my essay. With her guidance, the essay was edited and the end result was awesome!

~ Jack E., Ramsey, NJ

Carolyn’s insight and perspective in the college application process is relevant, valuable, and right on target. Her caring, non-judgemental demeanor with the applicants is refreshing. She is available practically on-call. I highly recommend Carolyn for both test prep, essay/supplemental question editing and strategy and general application counseling.

~ Delia Serrano